Protestors in their hundreds flooded the streets of Louth to fight for the future of the town's hospital.

A huge gathering of campaigners saw a banner-filled procession march through the town on Saturday, September 2 as a protest group warned that the potential downgrading of Louth County Hospital could spell disaster for local healthcare.

People stood proud during the protest

There was a party atmosphere as samba bands and musical acts played alongside the protestors, who were marshalled by police and gathered to hear speeches by the main protagonists about the importance of the hospital to the town.

Thousands of people are also supporting the Fighting 4 Louth Hospital group online after it started just six months ago.

There were speeches on why the hospital is so important to Louth (Image: Martin Koss)

"The town stood still - the turnout was incredible," said the group's founder, Julie Speed, who is also a town councillor.

"There were so many people coming out on the route to give their support.

"One of my favourites was a little boy who came out of his house with his parents with a homemade banner wanting to be part of it."

There was a party atmosphere during the march (Image: Martin Koss)

Plans by health chiefs, who say nothing has been decided yet, include the possibility of Louth and Skegness hospitals merging or a new site being built between the two east coast towns.